Customer Reviews

Sony MDR-EX70LP Earbud Headphones

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My recent personal audio trend has been downsizing. I bought a Nomad MuVo MP3 player from Creative Labs, and I wanted a earbud set that would parallel the size and tiny form of the player. I bought several, and these Sony MDR-EX70LP buds really stand out from the crowd.

The rubber buds provide a fair barricade from unwanted noise from the Outside World (TM) while enjoying music. I've experienced no problem listening to music at a comfortable volume level, even while riding the subway, though it's not such perfect isolation that someone would need to shout to get my attention. Nor would that someone need to disrupt me; the same design prevents my music from leaking out and being a public disturbance, even in a quiet enviroment.

Nice as that consideration is, it's secondary. Tertiary, even, because two very important factors make this earbud set even more of a winner: the second being that the sound quality is excellent. Not perfect. I've heard better bass reproduced from full over-the-ear headphones, but considering the size, it's still surprisingly good. Mid- and upper-range sounds are faithfully cast, and raising the volume becomes prohibitively painful before I've heard any distortion yet.

The best aspect of the setup, though, is in the sheer comfort. Once I found the pair of buds best sized for my ear's form, I was glad for every penny I'd invested. On a long bus ride, I can turn to my side and not dislodge the buds or jab myself painfully awake. Despite my slightly unusually-shaped ears, the outer-canal placement lets these units deliver their payload right where it needs to go, even without pressing against my cartilge piercings. (At last, a perfect fit!) The included case is cleverly designed, allowing one to keep the buds accessible but protected when not in use, which I also consider a point of "comfort" - knowing my favorite mini-speakers won't be accidentally ruined.

If you can appreciate quality sound and need a discreet, convenient earphone system, don't waste your money on an inferior system. Put it where it belongs, and put these little guys in your ears.

If you're reading this review, chances are you're looking for a portable headphone. The Sony EX70LP was launched as part of Sony's 20th celebration of the Walkman. It is unique in Sony's portable headphone range in that this is one of those "in your ear canal" type of earphone. Comes with rubber tips and a special storage case for the earphones only (and not the cords).

First impressions: this is one of the most comfortable ear-canal cans I've ever had. Once inserted properly, the rubber tips (come in 3 sizes) accomodate the remaining slacks (if any), providing very good isolation from external noises. Though not as good as the Etymotic ER4 series ... in this regard, it provides excellent value isolation-wise. It's also useful because others around you would not be disturbed from unduly sound leakages. I often use it when I sleep also because the earphone is "unnoticeable" after a short period of use.

Sound: I'm not very good in describing the sounds in the most minute detail, but I will try to provide an overall picture. I tested it without an amp, since a majority of portable listeners do not carry portable amps with them. Before breaking in, I noticed the almost unbearable boomy lower bass and unnecessary brightness in the high-range mid-frequencies. The bass seemed to dominate the overall sound which is an undesirable quality for some listeners e.g. classical. After about 40 hours of breaking-in, the bass mellowed slightly, while the mid-range frequencies are slightly enhanced. Bass is still boomy though, so equaliser will play a part in improving its sound qualities, especially if listening via the PC. The weird thing about the EX70 is that I actually enjoy playing computer games with it.

Maintenance/durability: Good for value. The rubber tips can be removed to be cleaned. The cords can "fold" quite easily if bent, so when storing, twirl the cords around 3 fingers and that should do it. :)

Other comments: I must say first of all that this is probably the most moddable earphone in the market ... There are many ways to make it sound even better, which is of course a good thing. Nevertheless, I do urge that potential buyers try out the Aiwa HP-VX100 (another ear-canal can), Sennheiser MX400 and MX500 (normal earphone). They're way cheaper, and quite alot of people in head-fi think that they're way better than the Sony EX70 for value (in the sound department), especially the Aiwa. The Sony EX70 is not for everybody that's for sure (especially people who hates boomy bass), so I recommend trying first (it's widely available). ...

I've gone through probably 20 ear buds throughout the years, various brands and different models and currently use these and am quite pleased. I like to listen to a variety of music that requires a good frequency response and these do a good job without spending too much. The sound is more than adequate with a range suitable for most music with a bass that isn't over the top. You get just enough bump and thump. The fit is the best of any I've used. A snug fit that closes the external sounds pretty much and cancels out unwanted interference to your music with the exception of wind when you are moving fast. When you are still they are perfect.I get plenty of use on the road with at times jarring movement and find that they do not fall out like many other models. Although the manufacturer does not recommended them for cycling they are perfect for tunes on the road. A good choice for comfort and above average sound reproduction. If you're looking for something to put in your ears to listen to your tunes than these indiscreetly stylish ear buds are for you.

Got these to use with a Windows Ipod (horrible enclosed ear buds!!). Was using a pair of very good over the head Koss SportaPhones- wanted something a little more comfortable and less visible. Also the Koss had only so-so high end. At first, I wasn't so impressed with the EX70, using the midsized insert. Bass seemed lacking and I seemed to be getting a fair amount of outside noise. Switched to the large size inserts, and what a difference!! Phenomenal bass, excellent imaging, very clear detail on the high end. I strongly suspect that the people who've given this a mediocre review didn't take the time to find the insert size that really fit their ear. Highly recommended, assuming you can get a good seal.

If you want earbuds...these are the best. they are extremely portable, comfortable a little on the expensive side, but well worth the money.

In the past, I had trouble with earbuds falling out of my ears, especially when running or when it is cold out. These earbuds never fall out of my ears. I've also had trouble with earbuds and regular headphones hurting my ears after a while of playing. These never hurt. I think it is because they are very soft in your ears and you also don't have to turn the volume way up to get the quality and volume you would have to with other headphones. You don't get crackling from driving these headphones too hard either. They are also great at blocking out all unwanted noise on a loud plane or train. They block out sounds so well that I'd suggest that you pay more attention to your surroundings when walking the street, than you would with normal headphones.

I don't know what people are talking about when they say the quality of product or sound is not top-notch, I've had them for almost 2 years. I use them a minimum of 1-2 hours a day and they work just as good as the day I bought them. The sound is by far better than any of the standard issue headphones any portable device comes packaged with. They may not be for extreme audiophiles who buy those giant headphones for hundreds of dollars or thousand dollar home theatre speakers. They are headphones for walking down the street, sitting on a plane and taking the train to work.

I use them with my ipod.

These are definitely NOT audiophile headphones, but then, they are earbud style. What is surprising is the bass.

Regrettably, the bass is the only interesting thing about the sound, since midrange and treble are seriously lack-lustre. In Sony's defense, these are also the most comfortable earbud-style phones I've ever used.

Don't expect the mid-size rubber pads that come already installed to fit perfectly - one of the things that surprised me was that my left ear needed the larger pad to effect a good seal from outside sounds, and to secure the bass response.

Using these for watching a DVD movie (The Fifth Element) on my laptop was a reasonably pleasant experience - it seems that the excess bass doesn't really mess up movie sound too much.

If you thinking of using these for classical or baroque music, forget it - the lack of midrange and treble is insanely irritating.

In fact, I'm keeping them only because they are very comfortable and small enough to pack in my laptop bag, and I have decided that the bass problem is one I can live with for now.

iPod users might find that using the "Treble Booster" equalizer setting helps to compensate for the overbearing bass that these generate. If you're using them with a computer for playing music, you're going to need to play with equalizer settings to get a more even sound.

It's important to note that unlike most other ear-bud phones, these do significantly reduce ambient sounds (with no sound signal applied, they work rather well as ear-plugs), so I don't think you should use them in situations where hearing impairment can endanger you.

Great great set for noise canceling .After wearing them on, no sound leakage. The range for the frequence is really broad and clean highs and lows..
Bass is nice too.
Definitely worth buying..^^

I tell ya, these earbuds are worth every penny. I bought these for use with my iPaq, and they sound awesome. Very durable, too. My wife accidentally washed & dried them and they still work great. I definitely recommend these, but bewarned, you will hear every imperfection in your mp3 and sound card, these earbuds are that clear.

I was less than thrilled with my portable MP3 jukebox headphones so I decided to shop for an alternative. After reading a bunch of reviews, I purchased these and have really been thrilled. The audio quality is very good. A little equalization for the mids and highs and they sound amazing. Of course the absolute best thing about them is the comfort. The parts which touch your ear are made of a soft silicone so there is very little pressure. I can wear them for hours at a time and barely remember that they're on. The sound isolation is outstanding. They produce a full sound which will drown out almost any environmental noise yet they don't leak sound and annoy everyone within 10 feet.

It so happens that I work for a company which develops digital audio processing technology. We have some of the best headphones and headphone amplifiers commercially available. When I need to really critically listen to audio, I reach for my Sennheiser HD600's. Unfortunately, while they sound stunning and can reproduce very subtle audio nuances, they're also bulky and press against the sides of my head. After an hour or so, I need to take a break or I start to develop headaches. I simply can't use them for daily constant use. The Sony Fontopias are just the ticket.

I wanted an expensive pair of earbuds because I knew their sound quality would be superior to the standard cheapo ten dollar earbuds. The bass is a little excessive, but I figure that it's better that way because all the others I've tried are too weak. They are very comfortable and seal out noise reasonably. Also, with the volume turned up full, when you take them out you can't hear a squeak coming from them, so they're good for airplanes. Recommended.